Alexander Gardner

Alexander Gardner, (born Oct. 17, 1821, Paisley, Renfrew, Scot.—died 1882, Washington, D.C., U.S.), photographer of the American Civil War and of the American West during the latter part of the 19th century.

Gardner probably moved to the United States in 1856, when he was hired by the photographer Mathew B. Brady as a portrait photographer. Two years later, Gardner opened a portrait studio for Brady in Washington, D.C. It was so successful that it helped to support Brady’s more extravagant New York studio.

When the American Civil War erupted in 1861, Gardner assisted Brady in his effort to make a complete ... (100 of 356 words)